As a major economy in Southeast Asia, Thailand has a strong demand for stainless steel products. However, please note, especially for food-contact stainless steel products,the gateway to the Thai market is undergoing structural changes. Ignoring the latest regulatory updates could lead to severe consequences where your goods cannot be cleared at Thai ports.

?Zhong Shen?As your agent, our core responsibility is to plan and execute afully compliantexport process for you, ensuring that your goods are cleared smoothly after meeting all trade procedures and regulatory requirements. Below, we will clearly outline the three core issues: tariffs, procedures, and documents.

What are the tariffs for exporting to Thailand?

The answer to this question is simple and depends on one key document:FORM E Certificate.

1. Enjoy the agreed tariff rate (usually 0%):

• Method of Achievement:?WithChina-ASEAN Free Trade Area PreferentialCertificate of Origin(FORM E).
• Professional Value:?One of our core services is to review and ensure that the full set of documents (invoice, bill of lading, packing list, etc.) has consistent information, thereby successfully obtaining thisfully compliant FORM E certificate that is acceptable to Thai customs. This will directly secure for you a?0% import tariff, which is key to cost control.

2. Levied at the normal Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate (ranging from 1% to 10%):

• The Risk:?Without a FORM E certificate, or if the certificate is flawed, your goods will be taxed at the normal rate, significantly weakening your product's competitiveness.

[VAT Reminder]
Regardless of the tariff amount, Thai customs will levy a 7% Value Added Tax (VAT).

Expert Summary: On tariffs, we help you lock in 0% the optimal result. But more importantly, we must ensure your product has the "entry ticket" to the Thai market.

What procedures and documents are required? — Special attention to mandatory requirements under the new regulations

We divide the required documents into two categories. Please pay close attention to the major changes regarding food-contact products in the second category.

A. Basic procedures and documents applicable to all stainless steel products:

• The Four-Piece Commercial Document Set:?Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Waybill, Trade Contract.
• Tariff Preference Document:?FORM E Certificate.

As your agent, we will guide you through the entire process of preparing these documents and professionally review all documents to ensure their accuracy.

B. [IMPORTANT REMINDER!] Mandatory compliance obligations for food-contact stainless steel products:

According to the new regulations soon to be enforced by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI)?TIS 3206-2567(2024), if your product falls within its jurisdiction,you (or your Thai importer) must independently complete and bear the following compliance responsibilities:

1. Self-screen product scope:

• You need to confirm for yourself whether your product is on the mandatory list of 13 categories outlined in the regulation (e.g., bowls, chopsticks, pots, spoons, etc.).

2. Ensure source compliance and obtain test reports (Customer's responsibility):

• [What you need to do]: Ensure the raw materials you use comply with?TIS 1378?standards and that you can obtain aMill Certificate from your supplier..
• [What you need to do]:: You must independently contact a TISI-accredited laboratory in Thailand, send your product for testing, and obtain acompliant test report.that meets the heavy metal migration limits. This is an independent certification process that we do not provide, but we strongly remind you that it is an indispensable prerequisite.
• [Risk Warning]:Without this compliant report issued by a TISI-accredited laboratory, your goods will 100% be unable to clear customs upon arrival in Thailand.

3. Correctly label the product:

• [What you need to do]: According to regulatory requirements, clearly label the name, material (e.g., "Stainless Steel 304"), production information, etc., on the product or packaging.

Our Role and Value: Your Professional Trade Compliance and Execution Partner

Facing TIS 3206 Regarding this major change, our position is very clear:

1. Acting as your "Regulatory Radar" and "Compliance Advisor":
   We will use our professional knowledge toremind and informyou of the latest regulatory dynamics, clearly pointing out which mandatory certifications and testing requirements your product needs to meet. We will tell you "what needs to be done," but "how to specifically get certified" needs to be completed by you.
2. As your "Process Executor":
   After youhave confirmed that all necessary certifications and test reports have been obtained, we will take over all subsequent trade processes. We will integrate your compliant report with other commercial documents, FORM E, etc., to build a complete and flawless customs clearance documentation system, and execute the subsequent booking, customs declaration, transportation, and clearance work for you.
3. Becoming your "Risk Firewall":
   Before you ship, we will require you to present relevant compliance proof (such as test reports). This is not only to protect your goods' safety but also a responsibility to both parties. We will never rashly arrange shipment if the client cannot provide the necessary entry documents, thus helping you avoid the huge risk of having your goods returned or destroyed.

In summary, our cooperation model is:

• You are responsible for the product's "birth certificate"(i.e., mandatory certifications and tests like TIS 3206).
• We are responsible for the product's "entry and exit"(i.e., completing all international trade processes based on the premise that you are already compliant).

Take action now! Please be sure to immediately start understanding and handling the relevant TIS certification and testing matters.

Once you have all your compliance documents ready, contact us anytime! We will provide you with the most efficient and professionalExport Agent Servicesexecution services to ensure your compliant products smoothly reach your Thai customers.